Honda vs Stihl brush cutters: mix-free four-stroke or power-to-weight?
Two premium, dealer-backed petrol brands. Honda's GX four-strokes run on unmixed petrol; Stihl's machines give more power for their weight.
In short:Honda's brush cutters use GX mini four-strokes that run on unmixed petrol: the UMK 425 LE (25 cc GX25, 0.81 kW, 5.9 kg dry, D-loop handle, blade included) and the UMK 435 UE (35 cc GX35, 1.0 kW, about 7.5 kg dry, bike handle, double harness). Stihl's FS 55 (27.2 cc, 0.75 kW, 4.4–4.9 kg) and FS 70 C-E (0.9 kW, ErgoStart) are two-strokes; the FS 131 has a 36.3 cc 4-MIX engine producing 1.4 kW at 5.8 kg without guard or tool. Honda avoids mixing; Stihl is lighter for its power.
Honda and Stihl are both premium petrol brands sold mainly through dealers. Honda builds a short range around its GX mini four-strokes; Stihl's range is deeper and stronger for its weight.
Models we cover
| Honda | Stihl | |
|---|---|---|
| Entry | UMK 425 LE — GX25, 0.81 kW, 5.9 kg dry | FS 55 — 0.75 kW, 4.4–4.9 kg |
| Mid | — | FS 70 C-E — 0.9 kW, ErgoStart, 5.4 kg |
| Clearing | UMK 435 UE — GX35, 1.0 kW, ~7.5 kg dry | FS 131 — 1.4 kW 4-MIX, 5.8 kg |
| Fuel | Unmixed petrol | Two-stroke mix (4-MIX included) |
Engines and fuel
Honda's GX25 and GX35 are genuine four-strokes with an oil sump: petrol straight from the pump, a quieter note and 360° inclinable lubrication. Stihl's FS 55 and FS 70 C-E are conventional two-strokes, and the FS 131's 4-MIX is a four-stroke design that still runs on two-stroke mix — no oil to change, but fuel to mix (fuel ratio chart).
Power for the weight
This is Stihl's strength. The FS 131 delivers 1.4 kW at 5.8 kg without guard or cutting tool; Honda's UMK 435 gives 1.0 kW at about 7.5 kg dry, though it comes with a double harness. In the small class, Honda's UMK 425 (0.81 kW) and Stihl's FS 55 (0.75 kW) are close, with the Stihl lighter.
Handles and kit
The UMK 425 LE has a D-loop handle and comes with a 3-tooth blade; the UMK 435 UE a bike handle and double harness. Stihl's models have bike handles (loop on R versions), and the FS 55 C-E comes with a metal blade.
Choose Honda if…
You never want to mix fuel and value a quiet, refined engine for regular garden and smallholding work.
Choose Stihl if…
You want the most power for the weight, especially for regular blade work in brambles and scrub.
The verdict
Pick Honda for mix-free four-stroke ownership; pick Stihl for power-to-weight and a deeper range. Head-to-heads: FS 131 vs UMK 425, and the engine comparison.
The models we review from each brand
Honda— Premium 4-stroke petrol engines (GX)
| Model | Type | Engine / power | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Honda UMK 435 UE | Petrol | 35 cc · GX35 4-stroke | 8.6/10 |
| Honda UMK 425 LE | Petrol | 25 cc · GX25 4-stroke | 8.2/10 |
Stihl— Petrol brush cutters & the FS range
| Model | Type | Engine / power | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stihl FS 131 | Petrol | 36.3 cc · 4-MIX | 8.7/10 |
| Stihl FS 70 C-E | Petrol | 27.2 cc · ErgoStart | 8.4/10 |
| Stihl FS 55 | Petrol | 27.2 cc · 2-stroke | 7.8/10 |
Ratings are judged against each machine's class and price; see how we review.
Frequently asked questions
Honda or Stihl for a petrol brush cutter?
Honda if you never want to mix fuel: its UMK 425 and UMK 435 use GX four-strokes that run on unmixed petrol. Stihl if you want more power for the weight: the FS 131 gives 1.4 kW at 5.8 kg (without guard or cutting tool), against 1.0 kW for Honda's UMK 435.
Does Stihl make a four-stroke?
Yes — Stihl's 4-MIX engine in the FS 131 is a four-stroke design, but it's lubricated by two-stroke mix, so you still mix fuel (with no oil sump to check). Honda's GX engines run on unmixed petrol with oil in a sump.
Where do I buy Honda and Stihl brush cutters?
Both sell mainly through dealers, who assemble the machine, set it up for your job and service it. Neither of the Stihl models we cover had a current Amazon.co.uk listing when we checked in October 2026.